Every time a new year rolls around, people get it into their heads that they're going to completely change themselves. (Cue the eye-rolls over the #newyear #newme tweets). But it's also important to remember these simple things throughout the year, no matter how you might be trying to improve yourself.
1. Nothing in nature blooms all year (this includes you)
You can't expect to be going full speed all year. Don't be so hard on yourself. It's OK to need to take a step back sometimes. It doesn't make you weak.
2. Be kind as much as you can
You never know what people are going through. A smile instead of a harsh word might make all the difference.
3. Your parents won't be around forever
Your parents probably sacrificed a lot and still try to give you the best life they can. Try to show your appreciation as often as possible, even if it's just in the form of a call home.
4. Your best friend is invaluable. Treat her like it
They will stay up until 4 AM when they have a test at 8 AM because you were crying. They deal with your crazy ass on a regular basis. It's important to not only remind them that you love them, but also to show it.
5. Eating is just as important as anything else you do today
Never, ever say you're too busy to eat. There will always be time to properly care for yourself.
6. You can't set yourself on fire to keep other people warm
Self-sacrifice can be noble, but constantly bending to other people's wants and needs just leaves you exhausted and unhappy
7. Realize your self value
It's important to stop being self-deprecating and have those moments where you can look back and go, "Yeah, that felt good."
8. Not everybody is going to like you
There is not one thing in the world that people can agree on. You aren't any different. It doesn't affect you at all -- some things are just not people's cup of tea.
9. You don't have to save things for a special occasion
Donna Meagle would like to remind you of the Cardinal Rule: Treat. Yo. Self.
10. Being angry doesn't solve anything
Take a deep breath before losing your temper. Is it worth it? Most of the time, anger ends in sadness when it could be so easily avoided. It's just not worth the waste of energy.
11. People don't owe you anything
If you expect nothing in return, then you will constantly be pleasantly surprised by people.
12. Give yourself a break every now and again
Don't be hard on yourself, and realize that you're human. And that means that you will fail. It's inevitable. But you pick yourself right back up and realize where you went wrong. Then, you fix it and move it. It's never the end of the world.
13. Know when to ask for help
Help doesn't make you any less accomplished.
14. You don't always have to be happy
Nothing's wrong with being sad- it's part of being human. It also makes you realize how lucky you are when you're happy
15. Don't mistake kindness with weakness
It's not the end of the world to show kindness, even to someone who may not be your biggest fan. It can make all the difference in the world.
16. Siblings are the closest thing to you in the world (DNA-wise)
Yes, they can be very annoying, but nobody will know you better than they do.
17. In the end, you need to make yourself happy
It's only you that you have to answer to. How do you feel about yourself, if you're being honest with yourself? If you don't like what you see, then do something about it.
